DADE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DADE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A flight crew reports they are unable to contact dispatch via ACARS. As dispatcher, what is your FIRST action? → Attempt contact via an alternate means such as HF radio, SATCOM, or relay through ATC
2. The Center of Gravity (CG) envelope defines which of the following? → The acceptable forward and aft limits within which CG must remain for safe flight
3. Which SELCAL code format is used to alert a specific aircraft on HF or VHF radio? → A four-letter code using characters A through S (excluding I, N, O)
4. What is the purpose of the aircraft’s flight data monitoring system? → To monitor and transmit performance data for analysis
5. What does 'safety promotion' accomplish within an SMS? → Builds safety culture through training, communication, and information sharing
6. What is the minimum age requirement to hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate? → 18 years of age
7. Under what circumstances may a Part 121 PIC deviate from any rule in 14 CFR Part 121? → In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action for safety
8. How does wind speed and direction impact aircraft performance during takeoff? → Tailwinds decrease the takeoff distance
9. Under what authority does the FAA designate individuals as Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiners (DADEs)? → 49 USC 44709 and 14 CFR Part 183 Subpart C
10. What does a negative temperature deviation from ISA indicate for aircraft performance planning? → Improved engine performance and shorter takeoff distances
11. What is the purpose of the FA (Area Forecast) in dispatch planning? → To describe general weather conditions over a large geographic area for enroute planning
12. What is the role of radar in air traffic control? → Radar helps controllers track aircraft position, speed, and altitude
13. Under FAA AC 120-92B, which of the following is listed as one of the four components of an SMS? → Safety Risk Management
14. What is the maximum time a dispatcher may be on duty without a rest period under Part 121 domestic rules? → 12 hours in any 24-hour period
15. What is the role of ATC in aircraft separation? → ATC ensures safe horizontal and vertical separation between aircraft
16. When ATC issues a nationwide Ground Stop (GS) for a destination airport, the aircraft dispatcher should: → Hold departures at the gate and coordinate with ATC on expected duration before release
17. What does the term 'SITA' refer to in aircraft communication? → A global communication network for flight data
18. Under what regulation must a Part 121 air carrier maintain a Dispatch Training Program? → 14 CFR Part 121 Subpart S
19. Which of the following is an example of a 'leading indicator' in SMS performance measurement? → Percentage of employees who completed safety training this quarter
20. When an aircraft's loaded CG falls aft of the certified aft limit, the primary flight safety concern is: → Reduced longitudinal static stability and possible loss of pitch control
21. What is the role of VHF radios in aircraft communication? → They provide short-range communication between aircraft and ATC
22. What action must a Part 121 dispatcher take if they receive information indicating unsafe conditions enroute after a flight has departed? → Immediately advise the pilot-in-command and coordinate appropriate action
23. Structural floor loading limits for cargo compartments are expressed as: → Weight per unit area (lbs/ft² or kg/m²) that the floor structure can safely support
24. In SMS, 'risk tolerance' (also called acceptable risk) is primarily determined by: → Senior management through the organization's safety policy
25. When computing takeoff weight for dispatch purposes, what does zero fuel weight (ZFW) represent? → The aircraft weight with all payload but excluding usable fuel
26. If cargo is loaded such that the forward hold's floor loading limit (lbs/ft²) is exceeded, the dispatcher should: → Require redistribution or removal of cargo until the floor limit is no longer exceeded
27. What ATC facility is responsible for issuing nationwide traffic management initiatives such as Ground Delay Programs and Ground Stops? → The ATCSCC (Air Traffic Control System Command Center)
28. Which frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency? → 121.5 MHz
29. When dispatching an aircraft to a high-altitude airport (above 8,000 feet MSL), which performance limitation typically becomes most critical? → Runway length due to reduced air density lowering engine thrust and aerodynamic lift
30. What is the significance of a PIREP reporting moderate rime icing at a specific altitude for dispatch? → It provides real-time icing conditions useful for route planning and altitude selection